How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Using a French Press
If you're a coffee enthusiast who loves a smooth and refreshing cup of cold brew coffee, then you've come to the right place. Cold brew is a popular method of preparing coffee that produces a mellow, less acidic taste, perfect for warm summer days or whenever you crave an iced coffee experience. While there are many tools you can use to make cold brew (including the Toddy Cold Brew System), we'll guide you through the simple process of making cold brew using a regular French press.
To start, you'll need some basic ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Fresh, filtered water
Equipment:
- French press
- Coffee grinder (optional, if you don't have pre-ground coffee)
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or stirrer
- Timer
- Airtight container for storage
Selecting the Right Coffee Beans
Quality coffee beans are essential for an exceptional cold brew experience. Opt for a medium to dark roast to ensure a well-rounded cold brew. One excellent option is Cold Brew Chill, a specialty blend crafted specifically for cold brewing. Cold Brew Chill is an organic medium roast coffee with a rich flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for creating a smooth and delightful cold brew.
Grinding the Coffee Beans
If you're using whole coffee beans, grind them coarsely, resembling the texture of coarse sea salt. Avoid using a fine grind, as it can lead to over-extraction and bitterness in your cold brew.
Preparing the Cold Brew Concentrate
Step 1: In your French press, combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold, filtered water. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated. Remember, the coffee-to-water ratio can be adjusted to your taste preference; you may choose a stronger or milder brew.
Step 2: Once the coffee grounds and water are combined in the French press, it's time to let the magic happen. Place the plunger lid on top, but don't press it down. Allow the mixture to steep in the refrigerator for approximately 12 to 24 hours. Longer steeping times will yield a stronger concentrate, while shorter times produce a milder flavor.
Step 3: After the steeping period, carefully press the plunger down, separating the coffee grounds from the liquid. The French press's built-in filter ensures an easy and mess-free process.
Step 4: Pour your freshly made cold brew concentrate into a glass filled with ice. To enjoy your cold brew at its best, consider diluting it with an equal amount of water or milk. Sweeteners such as sugar, honey, or flavored syrups can be added according to your preference.
Storing Cold Brew Concentrate
While leftover cold brew concentrate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, it is best to use the concentrate within a week as it will start to lose some of its flavor beyond that point.